Hogan Administration Celebrates Over 1,000 Blighted Properties Removed Through Project C.O.R.E.

Hogan Administration Celebrates Over 1,000 Blighted Properties Removed Through Project C.O.R.E.
Administration Awards More Than $33 Million for 65 Projects, Leveraging $570 Million in Investments

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland, in partnership with Baltimore City, has surpassed the milestone of 1,000 blighted properties removed in the city through the administration’s Project C.O.R.E. initiative. Project C.O.R.E., or Creating Opportunities for Renewal and Enterprise, is a multi-year, city-state initiative to remove vacant and derelict buildings in Baltimore and replace them with green space or the foundation for redevelopment.

As of the latest quarterly report, reporting through the end of Fiscal Year 2017, 1,154 units have been demolished and 32 have been stabilized, for a total of 1,186 units of blight removed.

“Project C.O.R.E. represents an unprecedented level of state investment in the revitalization of Baltimore City, and we are listening and responding to the unique needs of each community,” said Governor Hogan. “As we’ve demolished blight from Baltimore City, we have continued our extensive outreach to ensure that the redevelopment projects meet – and surpass – the community’s goals and visions for their neighborhoods.”

Additionally, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced the winners of nearly $15 million in Fiscal Year 2018 awards for Project C.O.R.E. demolition and redevelopment funds. The department selected 24 projects to receive approximately $15 million, which will leverage approximately $269 million in additional private and nonprofit sector investment. Since the launch of the initiative, the department has made 65 awards totaling more than $33 million and leveraging nearly $570 million.

“Project C.O.R.E. is helping to transform Baltimore neighborhoods into safe, thriving redeveloped communities with healthy housing opportunities for residents,” said Mayor Catherine E. Pugh. “Through the City’s and State’s coordinated efforts, we have taken down more than 1,000 buildings, which has made a tremendous impact on blight elimination and revitalization and has helped spur new investment across the City.”

One project supported through the initiative is the rehabilitation of the Hoen Lithograph building in the Collington Square neighborhood. Vacant for more than 35 years, the building’s primary tenant, Hoen & Company, was known as the oldest continuously operating lithographer in the United States. Once renovations are complete, the building will feature a cafe, event space, an adult literacy center, and a bookstore, along with a workforce incubator that will offer job training and employment opportunities for area residents. Like many Project C.O.R.E. activities, the renovation of the Hoen building has already had a ripple effect in the neighborhood, complementing other state investment in the community and attracting additional sources of support.

“Project C.O.R.E. is doing exactly what we hoped it would – helping to leverage additional investment in these neighborhoods, and so far, the state’s investment has garnered significant return from the private sector,” said Housing Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “The support that we’re seeing from other investors, community leaders, and residents shows that this is a pivotal moment for the positive transformation of Baltimore, and an opportune time for the fresh approach of Project C.O.R.E.”

For more information about Project C.O.R.E., including the most recent award winners, visit: http://dhcd.maryland.gov/ProjectCORE.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Sara Luell, Director of Communications, sara.luell@maryland.gov, 301-429-7803